When Daniel and I decided to explore Colorado, we were looking most forward to scratching our national park itch and checking out the many things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park. Of course, it's hard to get them all done in one visit, so we will absolutely be making a return trip in the future. If you're looking for hikes, wildlife spotting, beautiful overlooks, and waterfalls, this list is perfect for your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary!
Things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park you don't want to miss
Make sure to add these things to do when planning out your Rocky Mountain National Park itinerary! It includes the top things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park that will make your visit nothing short of amazing.
Trail Ridge Road
Covering nearly 50 miles of road between Estes Park and Grand Lake, Trail Ridge Road boasts some of the most awe-inspiring scenery one could ever ask for. Not only is it the National Park's most heavily traversed stretch of highway, but its elevation reaches above 12,000 feet!
With thrilling views of the evergreen forests and alpine hills from all directions, and unexpected sightings of wildlife in their natural habitat, Trail Ridge Road is nothing short of a memorable excursion. It's no surprise that this road is a nationally designated all-American road.
After all, there's nowhere else in the state of Colorado, or anywhere else in America for that matter, where the drive might just be more impressive than the destination itself. Trail Ridge Road--arguably the most popular, sought-after Rocky Mountain attraction and most certainly the number one thing to do in Rocky Mountain National Park!
Beaver Meadows Visitor Center
Otherwise known as the Rocky Mountain National Park Administration Building, the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center was declared a National Historic Landmark in 2001. Located on the south side, this visitor's center is an architectural sight of sorts that boasts an amphitheater, visitor facilities, a shopping center, and an observatory with an outdoor balcony for visitors and locals alike to take in breathtaking views of the Rockies.
Not only is this where you'll come to find out visitor information but you'll also have the opportunity to mingle with the park rangers and get some insider tips on how to best see Rocky Mountain National Park. As for things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park? Beaver Meadows Visitor Center, the most popular of the park's centers, is a necessity.
Downtown Estes Park
Talk about things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park! You'll definitely have enough to do in downtown Estes Park! With rich wildlife and awe-inspiring views of the landscape, this year-round destination offers it all and then some. As a visitor, you'll enjoy walks by the riverside or Lake Estes, Estes Park restaurants and wine, shops and galleries, and an abundance of roaming wildlife throughout the downtown area.
With independently-owned businesses throughout downtown, and more than 200 retailers, restaurants, and attractions, downtown Estes Park will be sure to keep you busy during your visit.
You may even love it so much that you rent one of the Estes Park cabins or village lodges to make your memorable getaway that much more memorable.
Take a hike
For the adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, hiking is one of the top Rocky Mountain National Park activities. For starters, Dream Lake Trail, a two-mile route located near Estes Park is perfect for all skill levels and perfect for hiking in the summer or snowshoeing in the winter!
As for Emerald Lake Trail, if you're looking for a longer loop packed with amazing scenery, this is the route for you. Lastly, for those on a family vacation in the Rockies, take a hike from Bear Lake trailhead to Nymph Lake and settle near the peaceful pond for a family picnic. You really can't miss the best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park when you're in the area.
The Rockies don't lack scenic views and natural surroundings. The best way to experience it? Hiking!
Forest Canyon Overlook
If you're a sucker for views, the Forest Canyon Overlook is for you. Standing at over 11,000 feet of elevation, the panoramic views are indescribable. Below? A wondrous U-shaped valley amongst the surrounding canyons eroded from centuries of glacial ice. You can't miss it.
If you're looking for things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park, there's no better way to soak in the scenes and stimulate the senses than to post up at Forest Canyon Overlook and smell the fresh Rocky Mountain air.
Bear Lake
The Bear Lake Loop is a trailhead that leads into numerous paths that then lead to beautiful lakes and overlooks. Bear Lake in particular is part of the most photographed lake in the entire park and encapsulates the truest views of the snow capped mountains of the Rockies.
Bear Lake isn't only a jaw-dropping hiking trail but a year-round destination. Whether it's birdwatching and wildlife photography that you enjoy, camping with the family or hiking as mentioned, Bear Lake offers it all. Just remember to stay safe. It's a highly-populated area for good reason, which makes it tightly compact in spots. Listen to the tour guides and rangers, follow the signage, and you should be just fine!
Moraine Park Museum
One of the most popular Rocky Mountain National Park attractions is the Moraine Park Museum, also known as the Moraine Park lodge. For reasons of history, cultural significance, and conservation, Moraine Park Museum is nothing short of a landmark of what the National Park stands for.
Boasting its own amphitheater, and trails to boot, this visiting centre of sorts acts as a great rest stop along tourists' journey through the Rockies. It's also a great information lesson!
Holzwarth Historic Site
Life in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado didn't use to be so glamorous and cushy. It wasn't a tourist destination and it most certainly wasn't a place where people came to vacation. Instead, it was a place where many lived, and struggled to live due to the harsh conditions and even harsher wildlife. 1917 was where it all started with John Holzwarth. Over the coming years, John developed the land, built cabins, lodges, and barns, and later used it as a tourist attraction.
In the '70s the property was purchased and transferred to the National Park Service. It is now a preservation site for tourists and locals alike to come experience what it must've been like to live here 100 years ago. As far as Rocky Mountain attractions go, this sits on top of many historians' lists.
Alberta Falls
After a short hike of about two miles, you'll arrive at Alberta Falls, a popular hiking destination in Rocky Mountain National Park and regarded as one of the best waterfalls in the entire park.
If you're looking for things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park, pack for a picnic and relax to the serene sounds of the 30-foot waterfall of Alberta Falls. Once satisfied, you can either turn around and begin on your next Rocky Mountain activity, or you can carry on through the adjacent trails.
Old River Road
Unlike Trail Ridge Road, the most famous Colorado road and longest paved road in the nation, Old River Road is much more, let's say, bare. Bare, however, doesn't mean bad, nor does it mean boring. Quite the opposite, in fact.
This unpaved, largely gravel, dirt road provides travelers with an 11 mile stretch of relaxation through the national park's wilderness and towards the peak just under 12,000 feet in elevation. If you're prepared to become one with nature, and maybe come a little close to the edge in places, Old River Road is the route for you.
This serene, winding route of Old River Road offers its visitors a taste of what transportation was like in the early days and provides a first-class look at Rocky Mountain's nature close-up.
Chapel on the Rock
If you're in the area and looking for things to do near Rocky Mountain National Park, visiting the near 100-year-old Chapel on the Rock is a must. This tourist landmark of sorts is located in Allenspark, Colorado on the grounds of Saint-Malo Retreat.
Be sure to capture a photo or two with the historic monument. Not only is it beautifully encapsulated on a sacred rock amongst majestic snow capped mountains and forestry, but it's also a wonderfully crafted piece of old architecture representing years of history, tragedy, and triumph.
Lily Lake
This crowded and popular hiking loop embodies the beauty of nature within Rocky Mountain National Park and is suitable for all ages and skill levels. With outstanding views of the lake and a backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, the Lily Lake Loop is perfect for those looking for a beginner's activity that still offers an inspiring spectacle of the Colorado landscape.
Other activities that can be enjoyed along Lily Lake include but are certainly not limited to picnics, fishing, and birdwatching. For things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park, Lily Lake should be on the itinerary, especially for young families!
Alpine Visitors Center
If you've found yourself atop 12,000 feet of elevation in Rocky Mountain National Park and you need a rest stop, use of the facilities, or simply need to inquire about information or guidance, Alpine Visitors Center is where you'll want to go.
Being the highest elevation Visiting Center in the park, Alpine Visitors Center is a great entry point to several hiking trails, viewpoints, and roadways like Trail Ridge Road and Old River Road.
Sprague Lake
This serene, scenic lake near Glacier Creek offers a short walking trail accessible to wheelchairs and is perfect for young children and families alike. With bridges, boardwalks, and views that are breathtaking, to say the least, Sprague Lake is certainly a Rocky Mountain attraction you're going to want to put on your itinerary.
If you've never seen mirror-like reflections, this is where you will. You may even see a trout or two jump for joy through the crystal clear waters. Sprague Lake is simply a sight to see, especially in the morning! So set your alarm, and hike towards a bench near Sprague Lake and take in the sunrise reflections of the Rockies!
Horseback riding
As far as things to do at Rocky Mountain National Park, horseback riding is arguably the most romantic. Whether it's a short tour through the landscapes of the mountains, or a longer ride deep into the forest, up canyons and down valleys, only to be greeted by the most spectacular views of the continental divide, and more.
Luckily, Sombrero Stables, located in beautiful Estes Park, Colorado offers just that. So, take the opportunity to travel as the early settlers did on horseback through nature and enjoy the beauty of the Colorado Rockies. Horseback riding through the Rockies has been considered one of the most memorable experiences one can have. As far as the best things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park, horseback riding is it. You won't want to miss out.
Deer Mountain
If you're on the hunt for panoramic views but don't want to embark on an extreme Rocky Mountain excursion of high elevation and hours of hiking, Deer Mountain is for you. As the name goes, you'll likely have the opportunity of seeing several deer and elk in their natural habitat; truly a beautiful sight to see.
Having a birds-eye view in one of the most wondrous National Parks in the country is unbelievable, to say the least. A spectacular hike that is one of the most magical things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park.
Kawuneeche Visitor Center
Located near the Grand Lake Entrance of the park, Kawuneeche Visitor Center is one of the hubs for travellers to take a rest stop, book one of several guided hikes, or simply take a load off at one of the six picnic tables around the property.
As all Rocky Mountain Visitor Centers do, the Kawuneeche Visitor Center offers a site for rest, facility usage, guided information and education, and is typically the first stop on a visitor's adventure.
Ouzel Falls
Ouzel Falls is one of many hikes that boasts a beautiful waterfall and offers several Rocky Mountain National Park attractions throughout, including but certainly not limited to Copeland Falls, Calypso Cascades, and Lower Copeland Falls.
As the hike goes, just under three miles into it you'll come upon Ouzel Falls, a wondrous 40-foot waterfall, one of the best waterfalls in the park. If you're lucky, you may even witness a native bird go for a dip and a dive into the falls.
Tundra Communities Trail
If you haven't yet noticed that the Rocky Mountains National Park certainly doesn't lack in trails and hiking routes, Tundra Communities Trail is one of many magical trails to indulge in during your visit.
At one of the highest elevations of the entire park, Tundra Communities Trail begins at about 11,000 feet. If you're not yet adjusted to the altitude, I'd recommend reconsidering this hike, or at the very least preparing yourself. Temperatures are typically low and frost is likely present at this elevation.
Lastly, because of the uniqueness of elevation, it's here where you'll see the rarest of alpine wildlife and plant life. For the most adventurous, Tundra Communities Trail is for you!
Chasm Falls
Located on Fall River in the Rocky Mountains, Chasm Falls is one of the best Rocky Mountain National Park trails to embark upon. Rated at a moderate difficulty level, Chasm Falls is quite popular. As such, beware of the crazy crowds. This trail is used not only for hiking but mountain biking and snowshoeing as well!
This waterfall is worth the visit year-round and also offers a picnic area for a rest stop. If you're planning a hiking itinerary, Chasm Falls is a must to include.
Have you ever checked out these things to do in Rocky Mountain National Park? Share your favorite adventures below!
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